LATEST: When Back Pain Is A Sign of US-Iran Detente

In the most significant development in a decade of talks and tension over Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran and the 5+1 Powers have hailed the “very positive” advance in two days of discussions in Geneva.

Few details have emerged about Iran’s warmly-received proposal, but that in itself may be tribute to progress — both sides observed the call of the 5+1’s lead negotiator, Catherine Ashton, for strict confidentiality over the substance of the talks.

Before the meeting, the Iranians had outlined the general principles of a resolution. Tehran will give up enrichment of 20% uranium, with inspections and supervision, in return for: 1) acknowledgement of its right to enrich, probably to 5%; 2) a guaranteed supply of 20% stock for civiian uses; and 3) lifting of major sanctions.

Signals from the meeting that this might be acceptable included the presence of the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif; a 30-minute bilateral discussion between the Iranian and American lead negotiators; and Iranian officials speaking to interviewers from Israeli media.

The substantive advances were a quick move from political to technical discussions — a clear sign that the two sides are nearing agreement on the principles of a resolution — and the announcement that the high-level talks will resume November 7-8 in Geneva. Before then, nuclear, scientific, and technical experts from both sides will discuss the details of implementation of any plan.

wendy Sherman, the lead US negotiator, declared, “Foreign Minister Zarif and his delegation came prepared for detailed, substantive discussion with a candor that I certainly have not heard in the two years I’ve been meeting with Iranians,” although she cautioned, “There is more work, much more work to do.”

(Featured Photo: European Union’s Catherine Ashton and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif)

When Back Pain Is A Sign of US-Iran Detente

Reuters see further diplomatic warming in the story of the back problems of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif:

Zarif entered a news conference on Wednesday in a wheelchair, after a back and leg injury last week left him unable to stand or walk without intense discomfort.

“I’m really in pain,” Zarif [said] as he returned to his hotel from the first session of talks.

His predicament elicited empathy from those on the opposite side of the negotiating table….

“There isn’t one among us who doesn’t have a back problem,” a senior U.S. administration official said.

“Everyone had a back story for him, books they thought he should read, things he might try, because we all have suffered.”